The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that a nationwide strike is imminent and will begin on Thursday, July 24, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum on Wednesday, July 23.
NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, confirmed this in an interview on Sunday.
The ultimatum, which was issued on July 2, came in protest of a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding revised allowances for medical and dental officers.
The NMA claims the circular is inadequate, violates prior agreements, and undermines the welfare of medical professionals.
Professor Audu stated, “We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike.” He stressed that the association’s demands are “critical to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system.”
The NMA president revealed that a meeting with government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, was held two weeks ago, but a follow-up meeting was postponed due to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The NMA is now expecting government stakeholders to reconvene with them before the deadline. “If the government fails to prioritise this matter,” a nationwide strike “may be inevitable,” he warned.
Several state chapters of the NMA, including those in Katsina, Ekiti, Ondo, and Delta, have already issued communiques supporting the national body’s ultimatum and rejecting the government’s circular.
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